South Kohala
Half comedian, half magician, and all character, 'Kozy' Kozak and his raucous hybrid comedy-magic show are a Big Island original. Kozak's rapid-fire…
Must-see entertainment in Hawaii
Kapaʻa
This Waipouli church usually hosts a couple of features in September and October on its wide lawn. Bring snacks and a blanket, get comfy and enjoy family…
South Kohala
Every month, on the Saturday closest to the full moon, Mauna Lani holds a concert and storytelling series at the seaside Eva Parker Woods cottage…
Kona Coast
This shopping mall has a hula show performed by local dance troupes in the center courtyard on Friday evenings. The dance troupes are local and feature…
Waikiki
With Diamond Head as a backdrop, this outdoor amphitheater in Kapiʻolani Regional Park sporadically stages hula troupes and twilight shows by megastars…
Honolulu
Honolulu's most intimate concert hall for touring and local acts – indie rockers, punk and metal bands, even ukulele players – has a graffiti-bomb vibe…
Honolulu
The second-oldest orchestra in the USA west of the Rocky Mountains, the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1900. It plays at the Neal S Blaisdell…
Waikiki
Enthusiastic pan-Polynesian show, with buffet meal, outdoor seating at a rooftop venue, Samoan fire dancing and hapa haole (literally, ‘half foreign’)…
West Maui
Everybody swings by to watch the Sheraton-organized Puʻu Kekaʻa torch-lighting and cliff-diving ceremony, which takes place at sunset. Afterwards, there's…
Honolulu
Hidden back off the street, this brick-walled lounge with an almost speakeasy ambience pulls in top island talent – fusion jazz, funk, bebop, hip-hop,…
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
As part of the park's ongoing celebration of Hawaiian culture and history, the bi-monthly Nā Leo Manu concerts bring talent from across the islands for an…
Lahaina
This Cirque du Soleil–style extravaganza has its home at the 680-seat Maui Theatre. The theme is Hawaiian history and storytelling; the medium is modern…
Honolulu
A cultural linchpin, this modern performing-arts complex stages symphony and chamber-music concerts, opera performances and ballet recitals, prestigious…
West Maui
Maui’s most Hawaiian hotel cheerfully entertains with a free hula show and Hawaiian music beginning at 6:30pm. Enjoy mai tais and brews at the adjacent…
Waikiki
If you’re in a mellow mood, come for sunset happy-hour drinks at this family-friendly, poolside bar, just a lei’s throw from Kuhio Beach. Slack key…
Honolulu
A college dive bar, part roadhouse and part art house, this Irish-themed bar has a club upstairs with live music by local bands. Acts include reggae, alt…
Waikiki
This shopping mall’s open-air stage may lack oceanfront views, but Hawaiian music and hula performances by top island talent happen here most evenings…
Hilo
This historic bandstand holds occasional hula shows, band concerts, political rallies and other gatherings. Check the bandstand's Facebook page or local…
Honolulu
This small community 150-seat theater puts on plays and musicals from mainstream to off-Broadway. It was formed in 1969 by UH Theatre Department grads…
South Kohala
Features various South Pacific dances and includes a dinner buffet and one cocktail. This luau is particularly family-friendly, and opens with an…
ʻIao Valley & Central Maui
Nicely restored after years of neglect, this 1928 art-deco theater, which once hosted big names such as Frank Sinatra, is now the venue for community…
Waikiki
A sophisticated music venue that draws top acts performing blues, jazz, pop, rock, reggae and Hawaiian. There's a dinner option that includes banquet fare…
South Kohala
This outdoor luau features standard entertainment (thrilling fire dance, group hula) and a gorgeous beach setting. The buffet is generous and above…
Poʻipu
This athletic club and pool doubles as the best concert venue on the South Shore. Salt-N-Pepa, UB40 and other superfun acts have played its open-air stage.
Hilo
At the lobby bar at the Grand Naniloa Resort, enjoy live music, a full-service bar, and gorgeous views of Hilo Bay.
Kailua-Kona
Hula lessons, complimentary mai tais, roast pig, waterfront views and graceful dancers are all part of the show.
West Maui
There’s low-key live music on the patio at bar-and-restuarant Japengo, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm nightly.
Kihei & South Maui
The lobby lounge has Hawaiian music nightly from 5pm to 11pm, with hula performances at sunset.
Oʻahu
Eight-screen multiplex frequently showing independent, art-house and foreign films.
Poʻipu
Despite the sterling work of its singers and dancers who make a musical journey through Polynesia, the Grand Hyatt’s luau is a little lackluster, set on…
Honolulu
This massive complex in what was the old Dole pineapple canning factory just west of Chinatown features 18 theaters, which play current-release films…
Honolulu
The mega shopping center’s courtyard area is the venue for all sorts of free island entertainment, including music by Oʻahu musicians and the Royal…
Waimea Canyon & the Westside
This art deco movie theater is the place for a rainy day or for an early-evening reprieve from sun and sea. Kaua‘i is a little behind with new releases…
Waikiki
At the Royal Hawaiian’s beach bar, you can catch some great acoustic island music acts and graceful solo hula dancers some nights. However, the namesake…
Honolulu
Part of the Ward Centre, this modern movie theater complex features 16 theaters. Head upstairs to see Hollywood blockbusters and a selection of…
Kona Coast
The Sheraton's touristy luau weaves together Hawaiian themes and tales of ancient kings and battles, along with fiery dances from across Polynesia. The…
North Kohala
North Kohala attracts an artsy bunch, and you can tap into this bohemian vibe at this gallery space. Hosts all kinds of community events: swap meets,…
Wailua
While touristy, the Coconut Marketplace’s free hula show is nevertheless fun and a good introduction to local culture. On Friday nights at 5pm there's…
